Lake Phelps, located in Washington and Tyrrell counties of North Carolina, stands as the state's second largest naturally formed lake at 6,480 hectares (16,600 acres). This shallow oligotrophic lake, with a mean depth of only 1.4 meters, presents a unique fishing environment surrounded by Pettigrew State Park, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, and a small portion of privately owned land. Unlike surrounding water bodies, Lake Phelps maintains excellent water clarity with secchi depths ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 meters, deriving its water primarily from precipitation. The lake's benthic habitat consists of sand and mud substrates, creating ideal conditions for both warm-water species and excellent shore fishing opportunities along its vegetated banks and among submerged trees.